French Institute of South Africa English Language Assistants in France: Apply for 2027–2028!

Work in France. Share your language. Discover a new culture.

Are you a young South African, Mosotho or Malawian looking for an opportunity to live and work in France?

The English Language Assistants in France Programme, coordinated by France Éducation international (FEI) in partnership with the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, offers you the chance to spend seven months working in a French school, sharing your language and culture while discovering life in France.

Whether you are considering a career in education, looking to improve your French or simply eager to gain international experience, this programme could be your next adventure.

Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year: 01/11/2026 closing date: 23/04/2027

Why become an English Language Assistant?

Being a language assistant is much more than teaching English. It is an opportunity to:

Gain international work experience in the French education system.
Improve your French through daily immersion.
Share your culture and introduce French pupils to the diversity of South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.
Develop professional skills, including communication, creativity, teamwork and intercultural awareness.
Discover France, its regions, traditions and way of life.
Build lasting friendships and connections with people from around the world.

What will you do?

As an English Language Assistant, you will work alongside French teachers in primary or secondary schools.

Your role will include helping pupils develop their confidence in spoken English, introducing them to your country’s culture and traditions, and supporting classroom activities.

You may also organise small-group conversations, participate in cultural projects and contribute to school events.

You are not expected to replace a qualified teacher or take sole responsibility for a class.

Working hours: 12 hours per week.

Programme at a glance

Destination: Metropolitan France and, depending on available placements, French overseas territories
Duration: 7 months
Contract period: 1 October 2027 – 30 April 2028
Working hours: 12 hours per week
School level: Primary or secondary
Monthly remuneration: Paid monthly in euros; 2027–2028 amount to be confirmed
Accommodation: Arranged and financed by the assistant
Social protection: Coverage under the French social security system, subject to applicable procedures

Who can apply?

The programme is open to eligible candidates from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.

Based on the previous recruitment campaign, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a native English speaker.
Be between 20 and 35 years old at the time of application.
Have completed secondary and tertiary education in South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi.
Meet the academic or professional status requirements of the programme.
Have at least a B1 level of French, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Be available for the full seven-month assignment.

Applicants may be students, graduates, employees or jobseekers, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Please note: The final eligibility criteria for the 2027–2028 campaign will be confirmed in the official application guidelines.

Financial preparation: what you need to know

Although language assistants receive a monthly salary, it is important to plan your finances carefully before travelling to France.

Travel expenses

Applicants should be prepared to finance their own return flight to France.

A limited number of selected candidates may be eligible for financial assistance towards their airfare, subject to the funding arrangements and selection criteria confirmed for the 2027–2028 campaign.

Flight assistance is not guaranteed.

Initial expenses

Applicants must be able to demonstrate access to approximately €1,500 to cover their initial expenses upon arrival in France.

This amount will help cover accommodation, transport, food and other essential costs before receiving the first salary.

You should also ensure that you have access to a bank card that allows international payments and withdrawals.

Accommodation

Language assistants are responsible for arranging and paying for their accommodation. Some schools may offer assistance in finding accommodation, but free housing is not guaranteed.

How to apply

The application process involves two complementary steps.

Step 1 — Submit your application on ADELE

All candidates must complete their official application through the France Éducation international platform:

https://assistants.france-education-international.fr/

You will need to create an account, complete your personal and academic information, and follow the instructions for the assessment of your French language skills.

Make sure your application is complete and submitted before the official deadline.

Step 2 — Submit your supporting documents to the French Embassy

In addition to your ADELE application, candidates from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi must complete a separate online form managed by the Embassy of France / French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).

link to the French Embassy Supporting Documents Submission Form

This form allows our team to collect and verify essential administrative documents, including:

A valid passport.
An unabridged birth certificate showing the names of your parents, or proof that you have applied for one.
A Police Clearance Certificate, or proof of application.
Relevant academic and language documents, where requested.
Information relating to your financial preparation for the programme.

Important: The French Embassy form does not replace your official ADELE application. Both procedures must be completed.

We strongly recommend applying for your Police Clearance Certificate and unabridged birth certificate as early as possible, as processing times can be lengthy.

What happens after you apply?

Once applications have closed, eligible applications will be assessed as part of the selection process coordinated with France Éducation international.

Successful candidates will receive further information about their placement, administrative procedures, visa application and preparations for their departure to France.

Selection does not guarantee placement in a particular city, region or school.